Poland weighs new MiG-29 fighter jets transfer to Ukraine

Poland is conducting negotiations on supplying additional MiG-29 fighter jets to Ukraine and is seeking access to selected Ukrainian drone and missile technologies in return.

In a statement released on the evening of December 9, the Polish Armed Forces General Staff confirmed that “negotiations are ongoing with the Ukrainian side regarding the transfer of MiG-29 aircraft,” although it did not disclose how many jets are under consideration, Polish media reports.

Informujemy, że trwają rozmowy ze stroną ukraińską na temat przekazania samolotów MIG-29. Przekazywanie samolotów związane jest z osiąganiem przez nie docelowych resursów eksploatacyjnych oraz brakiem perspektywy ich dalszej modernizacji w Siłach Zbrojnych RP. Informujemy… pic.twitter.com/35obeH37rP

— Sztab Generalny WP (@SztabGenWP) December 9, 2025

According to the statement, the aircraft are approaching the end of their “target operational lifespans” and have no meaningful prospects for further modernisation. Their roles within the Polish Air Force are increasingly being taken over by US-built F-16s and South Korean FA-50s. The MiG-29, developed in the Soviet Union during the 1970s, entered operational service in 1983.

“The donation of the aircraft will be an element of the allied policy of supporting Ukraine and maintaining security on NATO’s eastern flank,” the general staff wrote.

However, the statement also underscored that “in connection with the transfer of the aircraft, negotiations are being conducted with the Ukrainian side regarding the provision of selected drone and missile technologies to Poland.”

The aim, it added, is “not only to compensate Poland for the loss of equipment, but above all to acquire and jointly develop new defence and industrial competencies.”

This initiative follows a September agreement between Kyiv and Warsaw establishing a joint working group focused on sharing expertise and operational experience in drone warfare. That agreement was concluded a week after Russian drones carried out an unprecedented intrusion into Polish airspace.

Polish defence minister Władysław Kosiniak-Kamysz highlighted Ukraine’s rapid progress in the field, saying that Ukraine has “made a historic leap in drone and anti-drone capabilities” since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. “We want to benefit from your knowledge and skills,” he told Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal.

Since the invasion began, Poland has already transferred between 10 and 14 MiG-29s to Ukraine. Ukraine deploys these fighter jets for air patrols, for intercepting cruise missiles and drones, and for conducting ground strikes with guided bombs.

In parallel, Poland is modernising its own fleet. In August, Warsaw signed a $3.8 billion agreement with the United States to upgrade all 48 of its F-16 fighter jets. Starting next year, Poland is also scheduled to begin receiving its first F-35 stealth combat aircraft, along with the first FA-50 combat aircraft acquired from South Korea.

By Tamilla Hasanova